Important Disclaimer
The information provided here is for general pet health education only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional veterinary advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately.
- Species & breed
- Dog · Shih Tzu
- Age
- 2 years old
- Sex
- Male
- Color
- Tan & White
Oh, Cornbread! This is actually one of the more common (and understandably frustrating) things dog owners deal with — you're definitely not alone. The behavior even has a clinical name: coprophagia (which just means eating feces). It's more common in younger dogs, and many do grow out of it, but that doesn't make it any less gross in the meantime.
Why do dogs do this?
There's no single cause, but some commonly associated reasons include:
- Curiosity or habit — Some dogs simply start doing it and it becomes a routine.
- Attention-seeking — If they've learned that eating poop gets a big reaction from you, that can reinforce the behavior.
- Nutritional factors — In some cases it's been associated with dogs not absorbing enough nutrients from their food, though this isn't always the cause.
- Boredom or anxiety — Under-stimulated dogs sometimes develop unusual habits.
- Instinct — Mother dogs clean up after puppies this way, and some dogs retain that impulse.
Things you can try at home:
- Keep up the distraction strategy — You're already doing the most effective thing: interrupt and redirect immediately after he goes.
- "Leave it" training — Teaching a solid "leave it" command can give you a reliable way to stop him mid-thought.
- Clean up immediately — The less opportunity he has, the less the habit gets reinforced.
- Increase enrichment — More walks, play sessions, and mental stimulation (puzzle feeders, training games) can reduce boredom-driven behaviors.
- Review his diet — Make sure he's on a quality, age-appropriate food and that he's eating enough for his size. A 2-year-old Shih Tzu has specific nutritional needs worth confirming with your vet.
There are also some food additives marketed to make stool less appealing to dogs — your vet can tell you whether any of those might be worth trying for Cornbread specifically.
When to see your vet:
Since this is an ongoing behavior, it's worth bringing up at Cornbread's next routine visit if not sooner. Definitely schedule an appointment if you notice any of the following:
- Weight loss or poor coat condition (could point to a nutritional absorption issue)
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy
- The behavior is getting more frequent or intense
- He's eating the stool of other animals (which carries a higher risk of parasites or illness)
A vet can rule out any underlying health reasons and may have additional behavioral strategies to suggest. You've got the right instincts — keep at it!
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